I Got Reincarnated! - Kitsune Chronicles
~Chapter 12~ Facets of a Kayo
"At least the Hot Springs are completely done, that stupid slime is missing out of some big developments." Kayo sighed as she entered the women's side of the bath, egger to see them completely finished and decorated with black foxes as she had switched out the designs after Rimuru ignored her warnings again. Passing the Pink banner that had the kanji for female on it she closed the wooden sliding door before going to take off her clothes. All while unaware of someone outside quickly switching the Women and Men banners behind her back.
"It looks great! Dord really did a great job on the foxes." Kayo giggled as she saw the cute little stone fox fountain that poured the hot spring water into the bath. She smiled and went to wash up before going for a dip, pleasantly surprised to find the new scent of soap she had asked for. Picking one up she gave it a deep inhale, before sighing blissfully.
"Hhhhmmmm~ Smells like Benimaru~. I wonder if he uses this soap too~." Kayo blushed and giggled before getting on with cleaning her hair, body, and fur. Once done with that she tired up her hair and put away her tails before slowly slipping into the heavenly baths with a contented sigh. "So warm~ So relaxing~." she purred and chuckled as she heard the sound the bamboo water feature hit the rock as it had emptied its contents.
"They even got that too~. I wish I could reward them like they deserve to be." Kayo mussed as she thought of the 4 banished dwarves, frowning. "Is he really just going to let them live with us? They're the best of the best, that's not just something you throw away. Sure, maybe not Kaijin but the other's..." she questioned and closed her eyes and relaxed, trying not to worry about the Hero King and his lack of response since she last spoke to the shadow elf, as she called the woman, since she wouldn't give Kayo her proper name.
"I should just relax. It's going to do me no good to worry about other nations problems right now." she sighed and closed her eyes to meditate and enjoy her soak.
~Mediation~
"Ares does have a point." Knowledge pointed out during the 'meeting' the other's looked at her like she was crazy. "We can't do this all on our own, we do not excel in all fields required to run a budding nation and with Lord Rimuru still a sleep he will not be of any use." she added as Kayo looked worried as Planning had been over worked, Jester and Agape were broth asleep, and Ares... was locked away for the moment.
Leaving only Knowledge, Lust, and herself, not that Lust was much help just working on her new form.
"True, and we do have a lot of respectabilities but... there are many things only we can do. You saw the bruises on Benimaru. The Kijin cannot take blows from Kitsune, even if there are only 2 or 3 tails." Kayo mentioned as the white memory fox played the memory of Kayo sparing with Souei... and she punched him right in the jaw, dislocating it in the process.
"Then take responsibility for training other kitsune then, however he is the General of our forces. You would make HIM useless if you took away a large lump of our forces." Knowledge reasoned and Kayo sighed, thinking and putting more trust in Benimaru at least.
"Why don't we just train together? Kitsune are fast, and flexible~. Our bodies are just denser than a Kijin but their physically stronger." Lust piped up as the other looked at her, she was smirking as she showed off her sexy new Kijin form, a short red and black kimono that was barely containing her chest as it stretched over her body, gone was her fox ears and tails but now... she had two white horns coming out of her forehead like Shuna... only there was some odd red markings on them.
"Like the new look~? I think Beni~ would love this new form~. Can we test it out~? Please~?" Lust begged, seeming very proud of herself for coming up with her Kijin form.
Kayo sighed, biting down a blush. "Let's not think about that right now, please. He's hurt, and- don't show that!" Kayo shouted at the fox who brought for the cute memory of a blushing princess Benimaru being carried in her arms.
"Yes, those emotions are only in the way right now." Knowledge responded coldly as lust pouted. "I guess I'll leave then. Have fun VIRGINS." Lust hissed and left the two alone. Kayo shivered and looked at knowledge.
"It's just the two of us again... Huh?" Kayo asked as she felt the dread of being alone, the space around them becoming dark as Knowledge only looked at her clip board. "It's more efficient this way. No distractions. Now, I believe there is a solution to this problem you are unwilling to use." Knowledge voiced and Kayo froze and shook as the once nice white curtains of the gazebo turned a blood red as Ares strolled out of the shadows and up to a chair across form her.
"N-no. Knowledge, I can't! She can't be here! Put her back!" Kayo begged as she felt terrified as Ares grinned at her terror. "No. We need her if anything is going to get done. You're the one who will not face her, Fear." Knowledge reasoned coldly as she voiced the real designation of the Kayo they called 'Mother'.
"K-knowledge? W-what are you... t-trying to do to me?" Kayo asked as her heart pounded hard in her chest and her lungs were burning for air, she wanted to scream, to run, to hide form this monster that had her face. "No more running. I'm sick and tired of you shoving me away into a dark little prison cell just because you don't like me, because they didn't like me... and your scared THEY will not like you if I come out." Ares spat out and chuckled as she looked at 'Mother'.
"Why so scared? You know your fear only makes me stronger~." Ares mussed as her eyes glowed, and her grin widen. "Fear turns to hate; Hate turns to anger. Anger... bottled up and suppressed for 3 decades turns to WRATH~."
~Awake~
Kayo gasped as she pulled herself out of her mind, a cold sweat coming over her but... she wasn't looking at the peaceful serenity of the hot springs anymore. Instead, she was looking into some beautiful deep crimson pools that had bits of orange and yellow in them, like a beautiful fire.
'Wait... these look familiar.' Kayo pondered in confusion as she slowly pulled away to see the face those eyes where set in. Blushing dark red and looking up at her in pure shock... it was Benimaru!
'W-what happened?' Kay thought as she tried not to blush as she didn't wrap a towel around her chest, so it was gently pressed into Benimaru's very bear and firm chest as she loomed over him in her shock, trying to get her bearings. Neither of them saying a word as they stared at each other for what felt like eternity.
'Danm it! Just a few more seconds! A few more! And we would have had him!' Lust whined, upset that her hard work was just ruined. Kayo blinked first and quickly pulled away, using her arms to cover her chest as best she could. Her position made it even worse as she was straddling the Kijin's hips, and he seemed to take an interest in her form.
"S-sorry!" Kayo squeaked out as she blushed dark red and quickly got off Benimaru to run out of the hot springs. Grabbing a kimono that was left to change into after her bath, she didn't notice it was a bit over sized until her heart rate came down and the sleeves where fully covering her hands. "D-did I just steal Benimaru's clothes?" She asked in barely constrained panic as Lust was laughing at her misery.
"Kayo? Did you finish with your bath?" Shuna asked as she saw the woman, hiding a smile behind her sleeve as she noticed the oversized robe first. "When did you get horns? You look like a very pretty Oni" she praised as Kayo was confused. Raising a hand to her head and felt the hard protrusions from her forehead. 'Lust! What the hell!?' Kayo questioned as she felt very embarrassed as she slipped to the floor. "Why did it happen like this?" she asked, and Shuna looked worried. "What happened? Did my brother do something inappropriate to you?" she asked, curious and worried. Kayo stiffened as she mentioned her brother.
"N-not him... me... maybe..." Kayo muttered lowly and sighed. "I'm sorry, Shuna. I... i almost molested your brother." she apologized and the pink kijin only smiled and giggled. "It's alright Kayo~. I'm sure my brother didn't mind since it was you." she joked but Kayo looked upset.
"Please don't say that. I don't even know if he likes me like that. This could all just be a one-sided crush. Even then he... he could like someone else more, later." Kayo mentioned gloomily before Shuna fixed the robe with a black belt for her. "My brother and I respect and look up to you a lot. You helped us and welcomed us into your village. You gave us important roles and taught us so many new things. Your just as strong as Lord Rimuru and just as kind." Shuna praised as she smiled up at the woman who looked unsure of herself, Kayo was comfortable with Shuna to let her guard down a little.
"Come and eat. I made to much and I even made that cake you like~ too." Shuna tempted, Kayo hesitated a little before letting the little kijin take her to the building she and Benimaru called their home. It wasn't long after they left that Benimaru came out of the springs in a black robe with a red belt... his pale skin colored pink as his red hair draped over his unfocused eyes as he took in the bit of information he had overheard.
~Dinner~
'What am I doing here?' Kayo questioned as she silently ate the food Shuna had made. Being made to sit next to Benimaru and across form Shuna who was smiling proudly at her little achievement as they ate.
"How is it, Kayo? You never tired this dish before, have you?" Shuna asked, Kayo having mentioned her inexperience with the food Shuna knew how to cook very well. "It's great, Shuna. I'm glad I get to eat your cooking. I hope you're not over working yourself." she mussed and the pink kijin only smiled.
"I'm not, Gob'ichi and the others are a big help in the kitchen. I hardly have to do anything unless it's to make the lunch and dinner for the Orcs. They're really sweet and gentle, it was thanks to them the mess hall's kitchen got done in only a day." Shuna praised, no longer personally scared of the Orcs, but watching Kayo make them lunches, speaking with them, and other kitsune working with the large pig monsters she lost her fear as she saw them enjoy the simple meals Kayo made them all.
"I'm glad. Nothing motivates like good food in my book." Kayo mussed, becoming relaxed as she ate. "Speaking of books. I took the time to write down those dishes you asked me about. I will go and get it. Be right back." Shuna chirped as she set her food down and left Kayo alone with Benimaru. Kayo realized to late that she had been left alone with the crimson kijin for an unknown amount of time again.
'Just stay quiet... no need to bring up awkward moments or-'
"Lady Kayo." Benimaru called her and made the Kitsune stiffen at his voice, she didn't dare look at him.
"Y-yes?" She responded stiffly.
"About what happened... in the hot springs." he started saying, sounding unsure of what to say
"I'm sorry."
Kayo blinked and looked at a confused Benimaru who looked back at her in confusion as they had both apologized to each other? "What are you talking about? You have nothing to be sorry for." Kayo asked, trying to fight back a blush as she noticed he was also blushing. "Of course, I do. I disturbed you while you were enjoying the hot springs. I must have miss read the signs for the male and female baths. I didn't think you would be in the male baths to test them." Benimaru blurted out nervously as he looked away and tried to keep eating so he wouldn't spill all of his guts out to her.
"What?" Kayo asked as she recalled going into the female baths... but the banners could be easily moved for cleaning or changing them out for special occasions. 'It's possible but... who would have done it?' Kayo thought, before she responded to the crimson samurai. "Let's just forget about what happened back there, okay? It was just an accident." she reasoned but was still not sure what Lust had said and done as the memory seemed to have been misplaced somehow.
Benimaru was quiet but gave a nod as they ate a little more before Shuna came back with a book, only pouting a little as she saw the two had barely moved.
"Here's the book, Kayo. I made it as detailed as I could. Are you planning on making any of them yourself?" the pink princess asked, trying to break the tense air in the room.
"Yes. You can never learn to cook to many dishes. Plus, it can help me improve some of my other meals as well. I would really like to know how to make some noodles that are a part of a meal I know big brother would really like." Kayo mentioned eagerly as she eagerly opened the book, eager to skim threw it and find the one for the noodles made from scratch.
"N-noodles for Lord Rimuru?" the two siblings questioned in shock as Kayo found the page and eagerly took in the ingredients and steps needed to make them, all of her fluffy black tails wagging behind her in excitement.
"Yup. There is some broth, vegetables and other stuff too, but I want to make sure I can make the base products... hmm, would he like chicken?" Kayo told her but then started muttering to herself as she was calculating how she was going to get all the ingredients and make it before the book was taken from her.
"Hey!" Kayo pouted as she looked up at the one who took it and was a bit shocked to see it was Benimaru who took the book from her but now he was on the other side of the table. Blinking she glanced to her side and back at him to confirm it was him. That and the scent of burning wood with hits of cinnamon and strawberry was filling her nose.
"Lady Kayo, I believe it's time for you to get some rest. It's late." he told her and looked a bit worried as the Kitsune looked genuinely shocked at the sudden passage of time when it had been an hour since she started reading the thin book Shuna had written for her.
"Oh!? Sorry. I'll get going now. You two get lots of rest okay." Kayo got up and was going to leave before she noticed a stern looking Shuna glaring at her. "Kayo your spending the night here. It's obvious you haven't slept well for the last few days. You will be in my room so I can keep an eye on you." Shuna sternly reasoned, but really, Rimuru had told her Kayo would have nightmares when she slept alone.
"Oh. No, I can't Shuna. I still have more work to do and also, I need to send messages to Abiru and-" she was saying before Shuna grabbed her arm and dragged her to her room. "No excuses. You're going to get a good night's sleep and tomorrow you will let us help you take care of our home." She said sternly as she easily dragged the fox to her room.
Leaving Benimaru alone with an amused smile on his face.
~Morning~
Kayo blinks slowly, confused as she didn't recognize where she was, but the scent of cherries was familiar.
"Shuna?" she softly called the pinketts name, as her kitsune eyes easily saw in the dark. It was a simple room with a nice soft bed covered in white and light blue sheets, the pink thing cuddled into her arms was the cherry princess herself as she was cutely drooling as she slept in Kayo's arms. The kitsune woman amused and kissed her forehead, before slipping away. Careful not to wake her.
Kayo's golden eyes looked to the window and saw it was still dark out, but the moon was low in the sky.
'Is it early morning? It feels good to have some decent sleep.' she was thinking as she sadly looked at the little kijin who was looking for Kayo as the woman always felt warm. With a soft smile kayo pulled a stuffed black fox out and slipped it into the girl's arms. Where she hugged it and a smile bloomed on her face.
"Your still young, Shuna. You shouldn't be burdened with the care of your brother... at least not alone." Kayo whispered, blushing as she thought of how their life could be in her old world... where Shuna could be a carefree child going to school and making friends, maybe even crushing on a guy. 'But we are not in that world any more... even then Benimaru would likely have never been anywhere near you.' Knowledge piped up coldly. Kayo was disheartened and left Shuna's room to leave. Being very quiet, she saw the book still on the table, reaching to grab it she noticed it was open to a certain page for a breakfast food.
'Should I? I shouldn't. Shuna might not like anyone in her kitchen and this looks... simple?' Kayo was thinking as she read over the dish directions. "I think I can make this." she smiled, and her golden eyes sparkled with excitement as she went to the kitchen to make the two siblings' breakfast.
~Benimaru~
Benimaru groaned as he turned over on his bed, the memory from the hot springs playing in his head along with Kayo's words. It was confusing him why she was acting so... odd. Letting out a tired sigh he was distracted when he smelled something cooking.
Slightly confused he got up and poked his head out of his messy room, taking a sniff of the air.
"Hmmm~ why is Shuna making that? Today is nothing special." he questioned but was startled when Shuna's door opened and his sister came out rubbing her eyes, holding a black fox plushie. "Shuna? If your here... who is in the kitchen?" he asked her as the Pink kijin gave a soft smile. "I think Kayo made us breakfast." she told her brother who was a bit surprised and curious what the kitsune woman had made.
The two siblings made their way to the kitchen where they saw Kayo finishing up their breakfast, her tails wagging behind her happily before she turned around with a beaming smile.
"Good morning~! I hope you don't mind me using your kitchen, Shuna." Kayo responded as the Pinkett seemed shocked before she smiled at the woman. "I don't mind. It smells really good. Right big brother?" Shuna looked to her brother who was in a bit of shock as he was lost in a long-ago memory before his sister gave him a hard nudge.
"Y-yes. You didn't have to make us breakfast, Lady Kayo. You're our guest." he explained but was also curious about what she made as he came closer to take a peek.
"I don't mind. It's the least I could do after spacing out at dinner." Kayo excused, blushing as Benimru took a taste of the soup she made, and he instantly stiffened up.
"Benimaru? D-did I do something wrong?" Kayo asked worriedly and Shuna was worried for her brother too as he was starting to shake. "I-I'm fine. It's just... really good. Like Mother's meals." Benimaru softly explained, his back to the two females as he tried to compose himself.
"Let's sit down and eat but um... Shuna could you help me with the tea? I don't think I'm very good with that." Kayo asked, but Shuna knew it was just a cover to give her brother some time alone, so she helped the Kitsune make some green tea for their breakfast as they all sat down and enjoyed Kayo's cooking.
"Big brother." Shuna smiled at her brother, but there was more to her smile as she had noticed something Kayo hadn't. Benimaru looked away guilty as Kayo looked between the two siblings in confusion.
"Is something wrong?" Kayo questioned, a slight fear that she had made something wrong.
"No. No. Nothing's wrong. Your food is delicious, Lady Kayo. Almost as good as Shuna's." Benimaru praised but his sister pouted. "No, her food is better than mine. The soup is just how mother made it but... you're not eating all of it big brother." she corrected and tilted her head. "Are you feeling ill? You haven't touched your vegetables~." she pointed out, Benimaru was getting nervous under his sister's glare. Kayo was a bit confused before she reached over and grabbed some of Benimaru's vegetables with her chopsticks and ate it. The two siblings looking at her in shock as she studied the veggies in her mouth carefully.
"There cooked properly, and you really should eat your vegetables Benimaru." she told him, and Shuna giggled as her brother stared at her in shock and... horror?
"You're the general for our village's warriors, you need a proper diet to help you be at your best. Or do I have to give you an order as the Guardian of the Jura Forest?" Kayo smiled a little, teasing him with s small smile.
Benimaru was quiet but looked away with a small blush. Shuna was watching as she quietly sipped her tea.
"Benimaru." Kayo called his name, and he wasn't looking at her. "Look at me." she told him sternly and slowly the kijin did and met her glaring golden eyes. "Is my cooking really that bad?" she asked and Benimaru opened his mouth to assure her again only... he got her chopsticks full of the vegetables he wasn't eating. Shuna spluttered on her tea as she saw this and her brother turning bright red in embarrassment, Kayo was smiling at her small victory.
"Now~ Be a good boy and eat your veggies~ or am I going to have to feed you like an adorable, little baby~?" Kayo purred at her victory, but it sounded much different to the Kijin siblings. Benimaru slowly ate the vegetables and had his head down in embarrassment, using his own chopsticks to finish what was left of the vegetables.
Kayo smiled as he was finishing his food but looking at Shuna who was wide eyed with shock confused her.
"Shuna? Are you okay?" Kayo asked as the pink kijin giggled. "I'm perfectly okay. Thank you for taking care of my brother, Kayo. And thank you for the plushie." she thanked the kitsune and relaxed, satisfied with how her little plan had gone.
~Later~
'I can't believe I'm doing this... this is a very bad idea.' Kayo was thinking as she bit her lip and played with her fingers as she sat at the head of the conference table... having asked for the Kijin and Rigurd to attend a special meeting. Shion was cradling the comatose slime and Ranga was on the floor at Kayo's feet, whining as he could smell her worry, and the rest could see it.
"Lord Kayo. Is something wrong? Are the lizards giving you a hard time?" Shion asked worriedly as Kayo shook her head. "No... it's not them it's... an internal problem." she mentioned vaguely, confusing them. "Lord Kayo... I think it's best to be honest with them. No one is pushing you to do this." Rigurd assures her, already having been witnessed to the 'internal problem' himself, as Kayo trusted the Goblin King.
"Pushing her to do what?" Shuna asked, confused and looking guilty for trying to set her up with her brother. "A shameful secret I've been keeping form all of you." Kayo blurted out. "A shameful secret?" Hakuro questioned, confused what Kayo would call shameful, having overheard her talking with the goblins about what made a woman, and a man, attractive physically. It was hard to image what she considered shameful.
"It is an honor that you are willing to trust us, Lord Kayo." Souei spoke up bowing his head to her in reverence. "You don' have to tell us if you don't want to Lord Kayo. You're not acting yourself. Maybe your still tired from your work." Kurobe suggested kindly but saw Kayo look hurt by his words.
"N-no... I... I-You guys trust me... right?" Kayo asked them and her golden eyes filled with tears... shocking many of them. "Of course, Lady Kayo. We trust you with our lives! Not because of your strength but your heart too." Benimaru voiced, looking worried as he wanted to get closer to Kayo but he saw her... flinch?
"You... don't trust us?" Benimaru asked, looking betrayed as Kayo was shaking hard and Ranga whined worriedly. Before she took a deep breath and exhaled... relaxing. And when she opened her eyes... they were a dull yellow.
"Lady Kayo?" Ranga whined as he and the kijin noticed the drastic change as Kayo wiped the tears from her eyes.
"Now that that is over, let's get to the reason you are all here." Kayo voiced seriously as she sat up in the chair much straighter than before. "Your here because WE do trust you. So, I am going to tell you that the Kayo you usually see is only one facet of what we really are." Knowledge told them and they looked confused.
"What? Who are you?" Shuna asked worried and confused as Souei and Benimaru had their weapon's drawn, but Kayo didn't look worried. "I am designated as Knowledge; I am the facet of Kayo that knows and uses pure facts and knowledge to their fullest. Devoid of useless emotions such as fear, she causes far too much unnecessary harm." She voiced and was calm even when the two males had their blades to her neck.
"Why should we believe you?" Benimaru asked as he glared at this strange woman who looked at him, no regards to the 2 blades cutting into her neck. "Believing me or not is your choice, but if you don't, then Fear would have been justified in not trusting you with our secret in the first place. So... are you going to make us regret trusting you?" knowledge asked and Benimaru grit his teeth and he and Souei put their weapons away as the woman nodded.
"Good, the facet you are used to seeing mostly, unfortunately. Is fear or Mother as we call her. So, the others may seem like completely different people to you, but we are all still the same person." Knowledge explained but they only looked more confused.
"Fear? Lady Kayo doesn't seem all that fearful. Going into battle Orc's herself, drawing them away by spilling her own blood." Hakuro asked.
"That was the doing of a Facet we call Ares, or wrath. They are the most blood thirsty and vindictive, they like to fight and get out a lifetime of built-up frustration." Knowledge informed them calmly. "H-how many more are you?" Benimaru asked, still unsure of this information. He felt like he was looking at a stranger and not the warm and caring kitsune he was used to.
"It changes, depending on what is needed. There is currently only about 9 of use active, including Ares and myself. 6 of which Fear has suppressed, causing for an intervention to be needed. Besides Ares and fear, we want to trust you with more than just our lives." Knowledge told them as she looked at Benimaru. "To make things clear I think Love is a foolish notion, but the other facets of Kayo do care about and love you Benimaru. They want you to care about them the way they do you. You have no obligation to return their feelings, I just wanted to get that bothersome issue out of the way." Knowledge bluntly told the red Kijin who looked at her in utter shock as the others gasped at what she just confessed.
"She said it... kinda... does that still count?" Shion asked as her eyes sparkled with excitement. "Well Lord Kayo did say it herself... albeit a different self." Souei reasoned soberly.
"Don't brood to hard Souei, you're a very close second and the Harem Idea does have its own merits." Knowledge told him and everyone looked shocked, and Shuna and Shion looked at Kayo with almost reverence. "A-a Harem!?" Benimaru questioned as he looked at the Ninja Kijin who tried to school his expression, but Benimaru could see him smiling.
"Yes, and third would be Shion but her cooking is more useful as a weapon then anything truly edible." Knowledge explained but Shion's eyes sparkled as she blushed. "Lord Kayo... thinks of me that way~?" she asked giggling as she imaged Kayo treating her like a lover, making her giggle in delight.
"Not as much as Beni, but gender doesn't matter to us nor does age or race. Well, our poetical partners do have to be over a certain age mentally and prove themselves capable in several ways~." Kayo shifted again and they all noticed as Rigurd blushed as he knew this facet. "I am the facet called Lust~. I'm the one made of pure desire~." Kayo giggled and gave a flirty wink. "Don't let the name fool you, I desire much more than just sexual endeavors. The desire for friends, family, a home and happiness are also what we strongly desire. Pre exiting children are negotiable, Rigurd~." she teased the Goblin King as the other's all looked at him in shock.
"That old Goblin too!?" Shion asked, shocked that Kayo would be interested in the old Goblin, trying to figure out her type as Shuna was trying to figure out what attracted Kayo the most to the people she mentioned.
"Thank you for the offer, Lord Kayo but I must decline. You would be far happier with someone else rather than an old goblin like me." the Goblin reasoned, faltered but he still loved his late wife and his remining son had already been embarrassed by his slip up of calling her mom once.
Lust smiled and nodded before there was another shift and the suggestive facet faded and another one took her place as her face bloomed into a bright and innocent smile.
"Nice to meet you all! I'm Agape. I am the facet of pure love, not like that between lovers but those between friends, family and comrades!" She told them before hopping over to Shuna and giving her a warm hug. "Like the love I have for my cute little sister Shuna." she mentioned with a bright smile and Shuna was shocked but also warmed by the soothing hug as the others looked on in shock.
"S-sister?" Benimaru questioned before Kayo bopped his nose gently.
"Hey. Don't take it the wrong way. I will still love Shuna as my sister even if you don't become my lover. Your free to pick who will stand beside you for the rest of your life Beni~! As long as your happy that's all that matters." Kayo smiled brightly him and Benimaru looked away, feeling strange. The other kijin had knowing smiles as it seemed obvious to them who Benimru liked... or was starting to.
Kayo let go of Shuna as she frowned and looked worried. "I have to go now, Planning is next." she said before her bight domineer shifted but to that of a more serious one. "Well as Agape said. I am the facet called Planning. I'm responsible for all the mental organization that has to be done in order not to get overloaded and over worked." She voiced and looked at the blue slime with a stern look. "How long are you going to pretend to be asleep, Big brother?" she asked, and everyone looked form her to Rimuru who had been awake for the past few minutes.
"Eh? I wanted to let you finish. It's great that you're trusting them more, but your love confession could have been better." Rimuru teased as Planning held back a blush.
"We already wasted enough time debating on our timing. Not to mention preforming our duties on top of yours, slime ball. Before we get distracted even further, we should be expecting guest form Dwargon any day now. King Dwargo has been informed of the Orc Lord and his defeat days ago and has not responded." she told them and Rimuru was shocked and confused.
"Wait! Why would you be in contact with King Dwargo? He banished us." the slime asked as she gave him a smirk. "You didn't notice the lovely elf stalking around the village? She been our massager to the King since we left. Also, you and the dwarves where banished. I wasn't, I am still free to visit his nation and even have a special pass to cut the absurdly long line." Planning mentioned and pulled out a passport that looked much different from the ones normal people were told to present... it looked really expensive and important with the Dwargo family crest embossed in gold on the black leather cover.
"Y-you... why didn't you tell me this!?" The slime asked, shocked that the Kitsune hid this from him, and he didn't notice.
"Would you have listened? You certainly didn't when I told you to take your time when naming the orc's." she hissed as she seemed to shift and the slime gulped as he knew who was coming next as she took him out of Shion's arms, and he was stretched out and bounced like a ball by an angered Ares. "You left us to do the dirty work and more. I never asked to be in charge, I stepped up, so you need to as well slime ball. I'm taking those blasted vacation days." She hissed and placed him on the table once she was done.
"Y-your right... I'm sorry. I promise I will listen to you. I will take on the work so you can enjoy your time off." he sighed. "It can't be that bad." He muttered and Kayo growled at him making the slime flinch. "Shion, bring in today's batch. Souei, Kurobe, Benimaru. Help her bring them ALL in." Kayo ordered sternly and it made the name Kijin straighten up at her order.
"Yes, Lord/Lady Kayo!" the voiced and quickly followed Shion to where the unprocessed documents where set.
"Did you really have to send the others with Shion? I'm sure she's strong enough to handle them all." The slime reasoned but was getting a bad feeling as he was shocked when Shion came in with a massive stack of wooden documents in each hand... and so did the others who set them on the floor.
"This is all that has come in for now, Lord Kayo." Shion announced happily as the others in the room saw how much work Kayo was doing on her own. Then Kayo dumped several more massive stacks around the Slime who was already terrified of the large wooden stacks. "And these are the ones I've already gone over and just need a seal of approval." she told the slime who looked to her hopefully, changing into his human form as he clung to her helplessly.
"Sis... help me, please~." he begged her with tears in his eyes and Kayo looked at him coldly before sighing and petting his head. "Alright. I'll weed out the less important ones, just stamp these. Read them if you like but it's not necessary." she told him and pulled a small blue box out of her tails; the slime's eyes widen as she set it on the desk and opened it.
"A-are those?" he let go of her to look at the 2 stamps that were nestled in the box on some black hell moth silk along with an ink pad that looked like it was as the same shade of blue as he was. "Hanko Seals, your personal seal and the Village's seal for official orders, I have one for myself, so they don't need both our stamps to be official. I've also worked with Shuna to make some special ink so no one can forge our official stamps or even use them if stolen or lost." Kayo told him as she pulled out her own set and showed her black ink pad that looked normal, she pushed her stamp into the ink and stamped it on the document where there was a slight slimer of color as it was made official, with the Kitsune/Slime seal of their village.
"So cool~." He gushed excitedly and hugged Kayo tightly. "You're the best!" he told her, and Kayo gave a soft smile as she hugged him back in their touching moment before they had to deal with all the work.
~Two Weeks Later~
"And done!" Rimuru smiled as he stamped the last document, trusting Kayo when she set one in front of him. He had tried to read them at first but seeing Shion bring in more and more stacks... he trusted the fox to sort them for him and stamp the ones that mostly only needed the village seal as Kayo had her own to take care of more detailed documents. Of course, Kayo gave him summaries of the important documents, so he didn't have to read them himself. The two of them working at it made things much easier, the slime having noticed Kayo, or at least Knowledge, seemed to be able to speed read as her eyes scanned the documents quickly before either discarded them, stamping them, or handing them to him to look at and stamp.
"For today. The work is unending but at least now it's more manageable." Kayo voiced and sigh as she stretched in her seat, a few pops coming from her body.
"Are you sure it was wise to let those other 3 handle things too?" Rimuru asked, having thought her idea of using the body double ability to use the other facets of her mind to get more work done, as well as the Kijin whom she now trusted much more.
"No. But it should prove to be effective. Planning only needs to plan out a few of the village's building projects schedule for the Orcs. We have other Foxes guiding and keeping an eye on them but since evolving they have gotten smarter and more skilled. It also helps that Agape is with Shuna and the kitchen staff, taking charge of feeding the Orc's their lunches so they can better work. Geld has proven himself to be quiet the workaholic." Kayo or Knowledge as she was called explained to the slime who was in aw at how Kayo worked with all her Facets.
"And Ares? Sending her with Souei and Benimaru..." he asked carefully but did not expect the blunt response.
"She's just taking care of the kitsune forces. We saw the bruises they left on Lord Benimaru yesterday. It makes sense for another kitsune to train them and avoid disabling an important asset. There may only be 25 now but their numbers will nearly double come spring." She voiced and Rimuru was confused.
"What makes you say that?" he asked before he saw her wince in pain as she flopped over onto the floor. "Kayo!" he called to her worriedly coming over to her and using his slime body to cradle her head. Kayo sighed as he felt cool on her over worked mind. "I'm fine. Just... the recoil from the other's memories." she told him and slowly sat up. "We have some visitors." she told him just before Souei appeared with some news.
"Lord Rimuru. Lord Kayo. We have trouble. Several hundred Pegasus-mounted knights are heading this way." he told them and didn't look as pleased as Kayo did. "What!?" Rimuru asked, as he looked to Kayo who looked excited.
"A group of Pegasus's is called a Flur. Like Flock and heard mixed together. Wow, he must have wanted to look intimidating. You didn't get a count Souei?" Kayo asked the ninja who was confused by her excitement. "No, Lord Kayo. I don't have your sharp eyes." he told her as he had been confused why Ares had suddenly disappeared from the training field before, he noticed the specks of the incoming army.
"It's fine, we better go meet with them before it causes a panic." Kayo reasoned and Rimuru was confused why she would be so calm or excited as he saw her tails wagging.
~Outside~
Benimaru was with Hakuro, Rigurd and Rigurd as they met up with Rimuru who was riding on Kayo's back as she ran besides them, a little in front of Ranga in her fox form Shion and Souei not far behind her. Kaijin joined them having heard the panic that had started in the village about flying horses.
"It can't be..." The dwarf looked up in shock as he saw one of the Pegasus had on a red coat and golden armor, as its rider was none other than- "The hero king of the dwarves, Gazel Dwargo." Rimuru noticed and was confused.
"Lord Rimuru, Lady Kayo. What shall we do?" Benimaru asked, also confused and unsure if this where the guest Kayo had been talking about before. "I rather avoid fighting if possible." The slime voiced first as he saw some of the flying horses slowly descend with their fully armored riders. "It's no problem. We can just knock them all away." Shion mentioned gleefully as Kayo and Rimuru cringed at her 'simple' suggestion. "That won't be necessary Shion." Kayo spoke up and handed the slime to her with a smile.
"Just leave them to me. I have some business to talk over with the old man." she assured them confidently as Kaijin kneeled and greeted the hero king, Rimuru looked at her in shock at what she had just called the hero King. "What!?" Shion and Benimaru looked at her in shock as Rimuru looked worried as his fox sister went up and greeted the king from a few feet away.
"Good to see you again old man. Did it take you a whole 3 weeks to get here? Or did the messenger have trouble getting you my last letter?" she asked with a bright smile as the king's guards had their eyes on her for any sign of attack.
"Show some respect kitsune! This is the H-" the king on the king's right spoke up but was silenced as the hero King raised his hand. "She knows already. As for your question little fox. I did get your message and apologize for not responding sooner. I'm glad to see you are safe." he spoke out loud, but Kayo was having a different conversation with him using her mind.
'So what is with the Flur of knights? Are you here to invade us and make me serve you in your kingdom?' Kayo asked in her mind but was really smiling and saying something else as her eyes sparkled at the winged creatures.
"I didn't know you had so many winged horses. Oh~ may I pet one, pretty please?" she asked gleefully as the king was amused by her outward request. "No. That is not what we have come here for. These are well trained animals of war. Not pets. I am not here for you little fox. I am here for the Slime named Rimuru Tempest." Gazel told her and was not surprised when his steed walked away from him and to a pleasantly surprised Kayo.
"Awww~ Hey Ivory. It's good to see you again~ want a carrot?" She asked the winged horse who gave a happy noise as Kayo pulled out a big juicy carrot for the horse to happily munch on right from her hand. The Dwargon knights looked on in shock as the kitsune fed the king's horse so causally and even started to pet it!
The title of Jura Forest Guardian
Allows for the barrier to more easily make friends with all who call the Jura Forest home. Animals with pervious positive experiences with the barer will also be drawn to their side.
Rimuru's Great Sage informed him as he was confused why the horse had left its master and was a little jealous of Kayo being able to pet such a cool a mythical creature. "So you're here for me? What for, if you don't mind me asking?" Rimuru asked as he approached and stood by his sister who was still founding over the winged horse and feed it an apple.
"You're the slime?" He asked, a bit surprised that the slime could have defeated the Orc Disaster, despite Kayo and several others confirming it for him.
"I am a slime, but I rather you didn't call me that. I am the Chancellor of the Jura Forest Alliance, after all." Rimuru announced as he took on his human form. Kayo was glad he didn't bring any attention to her and what she had carefully done or King Dwargo who bit back an amused smile as he heard her thoughts. "This isn't really my true form, but it's easier to talk to me this way, right? So... Why are you here?" Rimuru asked as he glanced at all the knights that had been brought with him, oddly none of them seemed to have any obvious weapons except for the king who had a sword by his side.
"I'll get right to the point. Rimuru I've come to see what you truly are." King Dwargo voiced, but the slime was confused by his meaning at first. "I will expose your true nature with my sword!" the king announced bluntly and then the slime understood what he really meant.
"Since you boasted of being the Chancellor of this forest, it seems I must teach you exactly where you stand. If that Sword is more than a mere decoration, you would do well to accept my proposal." King Dwargo reasoned as he grabbed his sword just as Rimuru did, grabbing the sword that was on his back. Shion and Benimaru where tensed, prepared to back up their master before Kayo held out her arm to block their path.
"No. This is something he has to do alone, with no help from us or any interference." She scolded them seriously as Hakuro gave a knowing smile, having just noticed what the Kitsune had done to ensure that the knights wouldn't interfere also.
"An earnest battle is the quickest way to settle this, is it not?" The king reasoned with his own commander that seemed worried for him, but Kayo picked up on something odd with the Knight's worried expression and ran Eros under her other thoughts to hid it form the king
"Alright then, I accept. I'll make you regret accusing me of boasting." Rimuru drew the sword form his back as did the king as things got tense and the power could be tasted in the air. "If you can defend against my entire chain of attacks, you win. However, ... I suggest you not underestimate the sword skill of Master Swordmen Gazel Dwargo." The king set the rules.
"Fine." The slime agreed and Kayo looked a little worried for her brother as she and the others watched. When a strange breeze came through and Treyni appeared between the two parties.
"Very well, I will serve as witness to this contest." She spoke up with a smile as the knights' form Dwargon looked at her in shock.
"Is that... a Dryad?" the commander asked, not believing his eyes.
"I willingly Apologize for accusing you of boasting. I have a better understanding of the circumstances now." The king mused out loud upon seeing Treyni suddenly appear. 'Never thought I would see a Dryad in my lifetime.' Kayo blinked in confusion as she heard the King's voice as her ears perked up curiously. 'Did I just... hear his thoughts?' Kayo questioned in confusion before Ivory nugged her, showing her a small pouch that was concealed in the saddle and cloak.
'You really want to do this old man? Fine, here ya go.' Kayo questioned, amused as she pulled out some pieces of paper and tucked it carefully into the pouch and gave the horse an apple to happily much on. The king in turn, smiled as he heard her thoughts and concentrated now on his sword fight with the slime which wasn't long as Rimuru managed to block the king's familiar looking attack.
'Isn't... that the same move Master Hakuro uses?' Kayo questioned as she recalled seeing the elder kijin doing that familiar attack.
"Enough! The winner is Rimuru Tempest." Treyni declared and ended the 'fight', Rimuru was confused as the king pulled away and seethed his sword.
"I understand now, after crossing swords with you. You're not an evil being." He mussed and the other's nodded as Kayo hugged her slime brother. "Of course not, slime ball doesn't have an evil bone in his body." Kayo mentioned as she pets his light blue hair and had a wide grin on her face. "Eh? Slimes don't even have bones." Rimuru voiced, confused why Kayo was hugging him suddenly, unaware of the other conversation that was going on.
'You have the documents now. Once you sign them, it will duplicate and send a copy back here to make it official.' She thought and the King nodded with a soft smile at the two. 'Thank you for returning my men's blades as well. I will make sure they cause no harm.' Is what the king thought with slight amusement as none of his men seemed to have noticed their missing and returned swords.
"Yes. I am impressed that you saw threw my Haze: Thunder and Heaven That was well done, Rimuru." The king praised as Kayo pulled away from the slime a little. "Yeah, but to be fair it looked a lot like one of Master Hakuro's attacks. So, we kinda already knew the pattern used in the technique." Kayo mentioned as she remembered the times the White Kijin trained her and Rimuru. Kayo was better with a sword then the slime but not by much. She still loses to the wise instructor with decades more experience with a sword.
"What? Master Hakuro? Could it be your master was..." The king questioned in shock and Kayo saw a brief memory.
A young Garzel Dwargo, curled up against a familiar looking tree... when a white figure approached the young child who looked up, eyes full of fear and tears as a young pre–name Hakuro appeared before the child.
"Excellent work, Lord Rimuru." Hakuro mussed as he came out form his 'hiding' spot from behind Souei and Benimaru, not because of fear but because he wanted to see how his old student had grown. "The Savant!" Gazel voiced in shock as he saw the familiar face that looked like it had barely aged after 2 centuries since their last meeting and Hakuro smiled fondly at his old student.
"You no longer look like the little boy I found lost in the forest." He mussed fondly before correcting himself and taking a step back to bow to the king. "Ah. Forgive me, Dwarf King. I am overjoyed to see you have surpassed me with the sword."
"What an honor to hear you say that." Gazel chuckled as it felt odd to him to have his old master bow to him. "Your name is Hakuro, Master? I was not aware you had one." he asked and the Kijin chuckled as he stood straight.
"It's a recent development. It was given to me by student, Lord Rimuru." Hakuro told him as the Dwarf king was amused.
'Does this mean I have to call him big brother?' Rimuru asked, directed more at Kayo who giggled. 'Would you rather call him father?' She slightly joked before the slime shook his head and sighed. 'Is he part of your DILF fetish too?' he asked, and Kayo blushed and pinched his cheeks hard.
"NO!" she denied out loud as she fought with her brother a little before inviting their guests to dinner.